U.S. Navy Diaphragm Mark III Gas Mask

The Navy Diaphragm Mark III gas mask was developed in 1942 by Mine Safety Appliances and Acushnet (both companies are still in operation). This mask is definitely an upgrade to its precedence, the Mark III mask that is pictured below, the key differences being: one, it was not an optical mask, but it did have special elliptically-shaped eyepieces designed to enhance peripheral vision. Another was a diaphragm, which allowed the wearer to communicate while wearing the mask. Third was a filter canister that was suspended behind the neck, which gave Sailors’ heads more freedom while maneuvering in the lower deck compartments of a ship or working topside on gun mounts. The Mark III was designed to protect personnel from toxic war gases, vapors, dust and various types of smoke. The gas mask was a very important item of equipment, protecting the respiratory tract, eyes, skin and face by providing a gas-tight seal against biological and chemical warfare agents. This protection lasted as long as the canister was functioning properly and the seal was maintained. It did not protect the wearer from carbon monoxide, ammonia, carbon dioxide or tritium. The Mark III was manufactured in significant numbers, but it was replaced in only two years by the Mark IV, which was manufactured towards the end of WWII. After the war, this Mark III mask on display, was mostly likely sold as surplus, and eventually find a home at one of the nearby fire departments or districts.

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